Reader: Remove the Drugs and EDM Dies

Ravers at Red Rocks gobble up Marshmello. Miles Chrisinger

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In a recent profile, EDM DJ Amberdehn bemoans the quantity of drugs in the electronic-music scene and talks about where truly meaningful experiences come from: inside and the music itself.

"It seems that people want to feel something or nothing," Amberdehn says. "It seems that would be the leading cause of drug use. But one of the best ways to feel something isn’t drugs; it’s being present. In my opinion, drugs are a way of chasing something that is really right inside of you the whole time. The present moment, that’s where the power is in any scenario – not just at a show."

Readers took to Facebook to weigh in on her comments.  Brandon writes:

Remove the Drugs.... EDM dies.

John adds:

I dunno how you could listen to that without drugs.

Brett disagrees:

As a twenty-year veteran House music DJ, producer and ten-year established promoter in Denver with a decade of sobriety as well, I agree with a lot of what Amberdehn is saying here. Go beyond the easy escape of intoxication and search out a deeper experience! I enjoyed the days when Extacy was actually MDMA, and I can still have plenty of moments today when I feel like I'm peaking on E just from the music and the vibe, because I don't mess with buster parties. And that's really the hook. Without the right music, right crowd and right intention behind the party, ALL of it is irrelevant because it's bunk. I think the most important thing to do is to truly understand the difference between HIGH quality underground dance music scenes, and the cheesy, financially motivated, pop influenced, got-no-soul bullshit that is the majority of what's out there today. Look harder... search deeper. When you find the real thing, the drugs and alcohol become secondary by default. Want an example? Peep this game: Supernova.

Read on for more of Westword's coverage of drugs in the electronic music scene.

Amber Davies, who deejays as Amberdehn, performs at a Halloween-themed party this Friday at the Church.

Quite Right Records

Amberdehn on Why Drugs Are Holding EDM Down

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Deadmau5 performed at Red Rocks, on October 19, 2017.

Miles Chrisinger

Your Guide to Pairing Red Rocks Concerts and Drugs

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DanceSafe educates the electronic-music community about safer drug use.

DanceSafe

Happy International Day of Drug Checking! Are Your Drugs Laced?

Whether you're for or against drugs at shows and parties, they're an undeniable reality, and they shape how music is made and enjoyed.

We're interested in learning more about how you navigate drugs at concerts, and whether you think they're a legitimate part of the electronic-music scene.

Send your thoughts to [email protected].